Zuffa Statement on Ben Rothwell

Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, released the following statement regarding heavyweight Ben Rothwell

As the result of a blood test indicating an elevated level of testosterone in his system following UFC 164 in Milwaukee, WI, on August 31, the UFC has suspended heavyweight Ben Rothwell for nine (9) months from the date of the contest.

Rothwell’s post-fight blood test was administered by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. While the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services has elected not to impose any discipline on Rothwell, to date, the UFC holds its athletes to a high standard of personal and professional conduct and finds that Rothwell’s actions merit the suspension as a violation of the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and his Promotional Agreement with Zuffa, LLC.

Upon completion of his suspension, Rothwell must also submit a negative drug test before being allowed to compete in a UFC event.

Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee will fight for the interim lightweight title in the main event at UFC 216 on Oct. 7 live from Las Vegas. In the co-main event, heavyweights Fabricio Werdum and Derrick Lewis will clash.